2009 Music Muster raised $650k

REGIONAL communities across Australia have something to celebrate after the National Music Muster announced last night – the 2009 Muster raised more than $650,000 for not-for-profit organisations.

At last night’s Round Up dinner sponsors, supporters, community groups and volunteers were thanked for yet another successful year.

More than $87,000 was raised to assist Blaze Aid in establishing a long term relief organisation for farmers suffering from natural disasters.

Another $150,000 was raised directly by the Gympie Apex Club and distributed at last night’s function to a broad range of community organisations, mainly working in the Gympie region.

“I have never seen anywhere else in Australia where a community comes together to present a national event that provides benefits in so many ways,” Muster chairman Carl Green said.

“On top of that, patron and artist feedback was magnificent. If this can be achieved in the tough times, let the good times rock on.”

Mr Green said the return of multiple long term sponsors and supporters, with the inclusion of some new contributors to the Muster team made the result possible.

He said the real benefit of the Round Up dinner was it highlighted not only what Apex raised through the Muster, but the funds raised individually from the many other organisations that work with Apex to present the event.

The 2010 Music Muster is on again in August at Amamoor Creek State Forest Park.